Surgeon General to Black Women: Choose Health Over Your Hair!

Sleek blowouts, braids, weaves, curls, kinks — we’re known for having amazing versatility in our hairstyles. But are too many of us allowing our ‘dos to become don’ts for our health?

According to a piece in The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin attended the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show with a mission: to encourage hair enthusiasts to drop the “but I just got my hair done” excuses when it comes to exercise. She wants women, particularly Black women, to have the ability to look good while also leading healthier and more active lives.

Hey, it’s tough spending three hours and an average of $50 at the salon just to sweat your style out in five minutes, but with close to 50% of Black women over the age of 20 being overweight or obese, we need to find a happy medium, and fast.

Why not try engaging in light yet effective exercise like pilates or yoga on days following your hair appointment? Leave the heavy-duty workouts for right before your next hair appointment. Many sisters also keep their relaxed hair wrapped and secured with a satin scarf to preserve their styles while breaking a sweat. There’s also the growing number of Black women who find that being natural meshes well with being active.

Does your hair get in the way of you working out regularly? Let us know in the comments section!